Diamond in the Rough: Jarius Monroe, East St. John High School

Jarius Monroe is a defensive back for East St. John High School in Reserve, LA. Jarius is a gifted athlete that has size and versatility and is a real play maker on defense. He has great coverage skills and is a big-time hitter when needed to come up and stop the run. Monroe had 4 interceptions during his junior year and displayed good technique in his pass break ups. Jarius is also a member of the LA Bootleggers 7on7 team.

At the age of 4 but with the 5 and 6-year old’s division. I played for the Junior Wildcats in Reserve, Louisiana.

What do you love most about football?

I just love the way it makes people feel. It makes me feel closer to a super hero in a way. I get to make plays knowing all the hard work I put in. I also love the game because I’ve learned to better myself, and that discipline, football teaches helps me better myself as a person.

What are your strengths?

I would say, my length and athleticism, I got good hips and footwork. I can also tackle really well.

How do you feel your Junior season went?

My Junior season was good but I feel I could have done more for my team. We could of went further in the playoffs, maybe all the way to the dome. A key moment for me was against our rivals. It was the Destrehan game on my birthday, I took an interception 70 yards back all the way to the 1-yard line. That was my best play I ever made.

What is one thing this off-season you are working on?

I’m working on mainly my speed and becoming a leader for my team to carry us in multiple ways on and off the field.

What are your goals heading into your senior year?

I just want to be the best. Have a mindset that I can be the best. This season I will be playing corner back for the first time and that is the position I can excel at the most so it’s going to be a really fun year for me.

What have you learned about yourself from playing football?

I learned that I am a very competitive person and that I will give it my all. I hate losing so I always go hard every time I step on the field.

How is it like playing for the Bootleggers?

I enjoy it because my teammates are good players and I like to surround myself with good players to make me a better player. They tell me positive things on my game and it’s a good experience on and off the field. I feel like the competition is a wide group and it will prepare me for the next level. In college I will be playing against those type of players from different states with that type of talent, not limited to just Louisiana.

Any offers to date?

Yes sir. I currently have 5 offers. My first offer was from Idaho, the other offers were Nicholls, McNeese, Ball State, and Western Kentucky.

Did you attend any camps?

I attended The Opening. That was a good experience and I felt like I was the best player out there and they had a lot of good players out there. When I was playing I had a lot of confidence because I felt like I could match up with them. The Opening gave me an opportunity to prove myself.

What would college coaches be most impressed about you?

College coaches would be most impressed by the way I carry myself and my athleticism. I have good length and I’m really athletic, a lot of people would never think I can do what I can do.